Minute by minute: Brazil v Croatia [Arena Corinthians, São Paulo]

By Georges Sessions 2014-06-12 20:17:00 20140612

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Brazil 3-1 Croatia

Marcelo og [11], Neymar [29], [71], Oscar [91].

FULL TIME – Brazil 3-1 Croatia – Neymar scores twice before Oscar seals the hosts win despite them initially finding themselves behind. Brazil enjoyed huge slices of luck on certain occasions but they have started how they had to, with a win. And even though Neymar scored twice, Oscar’s performance will delight Luiz Felipe Scolari – the Chelsea ace was superb throughout.

54 – CRO – Good spell of pressure from the Croatians but they lose the ball. The second half has started evenly.

50’ – BRA - Wonderful work by Oscar, he keeps the ball brilliantly and wins a free kick right near the corner flag.

46’ – BRA – Brazil get us underway for the second half, can they go on and get an opening tournament win.

HALF TIME- Brazil 1-1 Croatia – The World Cup has arrived and what a start we have had. The hosts made the worst possible start when Marcelo put through his own net but Neymar has pulled them level and Croatia are now the side looking nervous.

45’ – BRA - Neymar surges forward, the ball drops to Hulk but he curls wide and over the bar.

43’ – BRA – Lovely football from Brazil as Marcelo wins the ball back, combines with Neymar and Oscar. The Chelsea man, though, is offside.

41’ – BRA - Oscar the star of the show so far, though Neymar not far behind, the Chelsea man is everywhere and is doing his upmost to create a second Brazil goal.

29’ – BRA – BRAZIL GOAL – Neymar equalizes for Brazil with a wonderfully taken goal from outside the area. Arena Corinthians erupts and Brazil are back in business.

27’ – BRA – Yellow card Neymar – The Barcelona ace is shown a caution after catching Luka Modrić with a stray arm. It seemed harsh on Neymar, though some Croatia players were calling for more.

22’ – BRA – Wonderful save from Stipe Pletikosa after Neymar had initially got in behind. Hulk later fires wide, the hosts are pushing and look much better now.